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Optical Communication Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fibertek, Inc

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Job Title Optical Communication Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based ...

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Fibertek is looking for an optical communication engineer to join our Herndon, VA team to help pave the way for tomorrow's advancement in space exploration. You will embrace a team atmosphere while ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Reviewing, developing, analyzing, and allocating requirements for free-space optical communication ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field. * Must have the ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Reviewing, developing, analyzing, and allocating requirements for free-space optical communication ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field. * Must have the ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Reviewing, developing, analyzing, and allocating requirements for free-space optical communication ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field. * Must have the ...

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All JobsOptical Communication Engineer Jobs

Optical Communication Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical communication engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical communication engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Communication Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Communication Engineer, you need a strong background in optical physics, fiber optics, and signal processing, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, optical spectrum analyzers, and simulation software, as well as certifications such as Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining high-performance optical communication systems that meet industry standards.

What is the difference between Optical Communication Engineer vs Optical Network Technician?

AspectOptical Communication EngineerOptical Network Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field; certifications like CCNA, CCNPTechnical diploma or associate degree; certifications like FOA, Cisco certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize optical communication systems; often in labs or office settingsInstall, maintain, and troubleshoot optical networks in the field or data centers
Employer & IndustryTelecom companies, network providers, technology firmsTelecom providers, internet service providers, network installation companies

Optical Communication Engineers focus on designing and improving optical systems, requiring higher-level technical skills and certifications. Optical Network Technicians handle installation and maintenance tasks, often working in the field. Both roles are essential in the optical communication industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are some common challenges Optical Communication Engineers face when working on large-scale network deployments?

Optical Communication Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal integrity over long distances, integration of new technologies with legacy systems, and ensuring minimal downtime during upgrades. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—such as network planners, field technicians, and equipment vendors—requires strong communication and project management skills. Additionally, staying updated with the rapid advancements in fiber optics and modulation techniques is essential to design efficient and future-proof solutions.

What does an Optical Communication Engineer do?

An Optical Communication Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that transmit information using light, such as fiber optic networks. They work on the hardware and software that enable high-speed data transmission over long distances for telecommunications, internet, and data centers. Their responsibilities often include optimizing network performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of optical communication systems. Optical Communication Engineers also stay updated on emerging technologies and standards in the field.
More about Optical Communication Engineer jobs
What states have the most Optical Communication Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Communication Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Communication Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Communication Engineer jobs are:
Optical Communication Engineer jobs near you
Optical Communication Engineer

Optical Communication Engineer

Fibertek, Inc

Herndon, VA • On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Optical Communication Engineer
Location
Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)
Job Description
Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct to earth links. Fibertek is looking for an optical communication engineer to join our Herndon, VA team to help pave the way for tomorrow's advancement in space exploration. You will embrace a team atmosphere while being empowered to make decisions in your area of expertise.
Job duties:
As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom design, hand-on building space flight optical flight terminals, and conducting performance and environmental verification testing for space. Design and work with some of the smartest minds in engineering actively involved in current high-profile NASA and DOD missions. You will use your direct hands-on experience to support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of laser communication terminals, build space fiber lasers, and develop optical pointing and tracking systems. Activities include coordinating and performing formal acceptance and qualification testing across multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short-duration flight programs and long-duration technology maturation programs.
Job Requirements
Experience and expertise required:
  • BS in Physics, Optical engineering or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 3 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems.
  • Efficient at developing and executing on complex optical alignment methods.
  • Understanding of opto-mechanical, thermo-optic tolerance and stability.
  • Knowledge of laser theory and industry best practices associated with fiber laser systems including continuous wave, pulsed, and high peak power fiber lasers.
  • Ability or interest in building fiber lasers.
  • Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination

Desired qualifications:
  • Experience or ability to work within an aerospace environment is a plus including environmental test capability of hardware before/after vibration and inside a thermal vacuum chamber.
  • Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools
  • Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity

FIBERTEK, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.
Fibertek, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. Fibertek does not engage in nor permits any discrimination in the workplace.

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